Mike received the George Tragos Award, which is given to an exceptionally competitive wrestler who adapted his wrestling skills and competitive nature to excel in Mixed Martial Arts. Van Arsdale was a three-time All-American, an NCAA champion in 1988 for Iowa State, and a freestyle World Cup champion in 1997. The Waterloo, Iowa, native was a state wrestling champion for West High School as well as a junior national champion and a junior world runner-up. He compiled an 8-5 Mixed Martial Arts record from 1998-2006.